The one-term incumbent is seeking re-election to his seat representing House District 9, which serves Nikiski, Kenai and much of Kalifornsky Beach Road.

"I ran for office the first time because I didn't believe we were getting the quality of representation we deserve," Smalley said. "I believe I've worked hard the last year-and-a-half and brought worthwhile projects and changes to District 9 and across the state."

Smalley served about 11 years on the Kenai City Council before being elected to the House. Retired after 20-plus years of teaching, Smalley said he has the time to devote to representing the people of District 9.

The major contribution he said he's made in public service is making government more accessible to the people.

"I have responded to several hundred individual concerns, be it about DFYS (Division of Family and Youth Services), DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) or permanent fund dividend checks," he said.

Previously held offices: Kenai City Planning and Zoning, Kenai City Council, State Representative (1998-present)

Expected cost of campaign: $35,000-40,000

Best way for voters to reach me:

home phone -- 283-7469;

e-mail -- hsmalley@alaska.net;

mail -- Box 1996, Kenai, AK 99611

He also said he worked very hard to mediate the back royalty dispute between the state and Tesoro Alaska Petroleum Co.

"I've also worked very hard with the state and BP to bring their GTL plant to Nikiski," Smalley said. "That's an $86 million project."

The gas-to-liquid plant will be a project by British Petroleum that will demonstrate the feasibility of turning natural gas into a petroleum product.

He said his major accomplishment outside of public office is teaching local students for 20 years.

Smalley said the most apparent difference between him and his opponents is that he is a Democrat.

"I don't say that to scare people," he said. "I know to some people saying you're a Republican or a Democrat can be scary, but I have a proven track record and can work with everybody, Republican, Democrat or independent."

Smalley said the need to address the state's budget woes through a long-range fiscal plan is the top issue facing Alaska today.

"The Republicans had a five-year plan, but we need one that is longer-term and that balances out the budget," he said. "To say 'cut the budget' is just a slogan."

He said creating value-added products from the state's natural resources is one way to bridge the fiscal gap.

When voters go to the booth on election day, Smalley wants them to remember that his door is always open, and he can be contacted at his office or at home.

"I'm hoping I'm a candidate they can trust and will send me to Juneau for two more years," he said.

Kenai Mayor John Williams, who served on the city council with Smalley, said that there are no negatives in regards to Smalley.

"He has earned the trust of parents as a teacher, and then they entrusted him with the office of city council," he said. "He has always made good decisions and is never afraid to make a decision."